Chelsea F.C.http://www.businessinsider.com/category/chelsea-fc
en-usFri, 18 Aug 2017 01:28:47 -0400Fri, 18 Aug 2017 01:28:47 -0400The latest news on Chelsea F.C. from Business Insiderhttp://static3.businessinsider.com/assets/images/bilogo-250x36-wide-rev.pngBusiness Insiderhttp://www.businessinsider.com
http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-antonio-conte-tottenham-hotspur-harry-kane-just-transfer-fee-record-alvaro-morata-2017-7Chelsea manager says Harry Kane is his dream signing just days after breaking the club's transfer record for a strikerhttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-antonio-conte-tottenham-hotspur-harry-kane-just-transfer-fee-record-alvaro-morata-2017-7
Thu, 27 Jul 2017 06:12:44 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/59410e73da6dde5d9438aa90-2400/gettyimages-462908990.jpg" alt="Harry Kane scoring against Arsenal" data-mce-source="Clive Rose / Getty Images" /></p><p>Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has lavished praise on Tottenham Hotspur's "complete player" Harry Kane, describing him as the single striker he wants the most.</p>
<p>Interestingly, Conte even talked about buying Kane, just days after <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/chelsea-premier-league-champions-transfer-record-alvaro-morata-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">signing &Aacute;lvaro Morata for a club record fee of &pound;58 million</a>.</p>
<p>The fee&nbsp;topped the previous record set in 2011 when Chelsea bought Fernando Torres for &pound;50 million.</p>
<p>"If I had to buy one striker I would go to Kane," <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/10963388/tottenhams-harry-kane-would-be-dream-chelsea-signing-says-antonio-conte" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Conte told Sky Sports</a>.</p>
<p>"He is a complete striker. He is strong physically, with the ball, without the ball, he fights and he's strong in the air and acrobatic on the right and the left."</p>
<p>A traditional centre forward, Kane has been the Premier League's top goal-scorer for the last two seasons.</p>
<p>The&nbsp;29 league goals he scored in his 30 appearances last season played a crucial part in Tottenham's title challenge and, for Conte, the 23-year-old is "one of the top strikers in the world."</p>
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5979bca89d09184d380a01be-2400/gettyimages-654796460.jpg" alt="Antonio Conte" data-mce-source="Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images" />Conte said: "He's a complete player. If you go to buy Kane now it would be at least &pound;100 million."</p>
<p>Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would likely think&nbsp;Conte's valuation is far too conservative.</p>
<p>Before Manchester <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40550934" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">United bought Romelu Lukaku for &pound;75 million</a>, manager Jos&eacute; Mourinho was linked with a &pound;100 million move for Kane.</p>
<p>But, according to <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/manchester-united-transfer-news-spurs-wants-200-million-for-harry-kane-2017-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Independent, Levy "laughed off" the speculation</a>. The newspaper then claimed it would take &pound;200 million to prise Kane away from White Hart Lane.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-antonio-conte-tottenham-hotspur-harry-kane-just-transfer-fee-record-alvaro-morata-2017-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/inside-formula-e-formula-one-electric-cars-brooklyn-new-york-2017-7">Inside Formula E — the racing series that only uses electric cars</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-and-manchester-city-could-spend-500-million-on-players-this-summer-2017-7Chelsea and Manchester City could spend $650 million on players this summerhttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-and-manchester-city-could-spend-500-million-on-players-this-summer-2017-7
Tue, 25 Jul 2017 08:19:08 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/597737519d0918419a639ad6-2400/gettyimages-664740264.jpg" alt="Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola" data-mce-source="Getty Images" /></p><p>Chelsea and Manchester City&nbsp;could spend a combined total of more than half a billion pounds (US$650 million) in a single transfer window, according to a new report by <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/07/24/chelsea-back-antonio-conte-250million-spending-spree-four-potential/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Daily Telegraph</a>.</p>
<p>The newspaper reported that Chelsea's spending is set to&nbsp;pass the &pound;270 million mark with four new signings.</p>
<p>This, combined with reported spending by City in excess of &pound;230 million, could lead to the enormous total from just two teams.</p>
<p>Chelsea manager Antonio Conte welcomed AS Roma defender Antonio R&uuml;diger and AS Monaco midfielder Tiemou&eacute; Bakayoko to Stamford Bridge earlier in the month as part of a &pound;127 million splurge.</p>
<p>The club also broke its transfer fee record to land Real Madrid striker &Aacute;lvaro Morata for a &pound;58 million fee, topping the previous record of &pound;50 million when Fernando Torres joined in 2011.</p>
<p>And now the club is set to splash even more cash on the four new players, potentially adding another &pound;143 million to the bill, taking their grand total past &pound;270 million.</p>
<p>If it comes to pass, the total would beat Manchester City's mega-spend of &pound;230 million on five footballers, and take the combined total beyond &pound;500 million.</p>
<p>Chelsea will be aware of how well title rival City has done in its recruitment drive.</p>
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/595b6912bb350313c815ef0f-2400/gettyimages-645341498.jpg" alt="Alex Sandro" data-mce-source="Getty Images" /></p>
<p><span>Despite winning the 2016-2017 Premier League title with a seven point cushion, Chelsea is also looking to strengthen its squad ahead of a season that will see the club compete on four fronts, including the UEFA Champions League.</span></p>
<p>As such, Conte is reportedly determined to sign &pound;60 million-rated Juventus full back Alex Sandro and &pound;60 million-rated Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.</p>
<p>Additionally, Conte is seemingly&nbsp;after Inter Milan winger Antonio Candreva and Swansea City forward Fernando Llorente, who have a combined &pound;23.5 million valuation according to football think tank <a href="http://www.football-observatory.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CIES Football Observatory</a>.</p>
<p>If Chelsea is successful in signing all four targets for &pound;143.5 million, it would leapfrog City as the Premier League's biggest spender this summer as it would take their shopping spree to &pound;270.5 million.</p>
<p>Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has already announced deals for Bernardo Silva, Ederson, Kyle Walker, Danilo, and Benjamin Mendy, among others, for &pound;230 million.</p>
<p>Combined, the two sides could be responsible for bringing in half a billion pounds worth of talent to the Premier League <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/why-the-premier-league-will-smash-its-spending-record-this-summer-2017-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nudging the division ever</a>-<a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/why-the-premier-league-will-smash-its-spending-record-this-summer-2017-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">closer to a record-setting summer</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-and-manchester-city-could-spend-500-million-on-players-this-summer-2017-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/floyd-mayweather-vs-conor-mcgregor-fighters-match-up-boxing-mma-sports-showtime-stats-2017-8">Mayweather vs. McGregor: Here's how the world's best fighters match up</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-is-grovelling-to-china-after-offensive-posts-by-one-of-its-players-but-it-might-not-be-enough-2017-7Chelsea is grovelling to China after 'offensive' posts by one of its players — but it might not be enoughhttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-is-grovelling-to-china-after-offensive-posts-by-one-of-its-players-but-it-might-not-be-enough-2017-7
Mon, 24 Jul 2017 10:42:46 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5976077856152c36ce15e044-2400/gettyimages-820705612.jpg" alt="Antonio Conte, Chelsea" data-mce-source="Yifan Ding / Getty Images" /></p><p>Chelsea football club has issued a grovelling apology over offensive Instagram posts by one of its youth players, which threatened to alienate the authorities in a crucial market.</p>
<p><span>Robert Kenedy Nunes Nascimento, known as Kenedy, became a hate figure in China thanks to posts he made over the weekend which many in the country considered insulting.</span></p>
<p><span>The backlash is so severe that government authorities are reportedly considering taking action against Chelsea in response, according to <a href="http://beta.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelsea-persona-non-grata-in-china-over-kenedys-offensive/1oawknf3hxty16oeqc51q4sql" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">football-only website Goal.com</a>.</span></p>
<p><span></span>The club is currently touring China, a key football market for the Premier League champions.</p>
<p>Before a game against Arsenal, Kenedy published a photograph of a Chinese official appearing to sleep. His caption read: "<a href="http://beta.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelsea-persona-non-grata-in-china-over-kenedys-offensive/1oawknf3hxty16oeqc51q4sql" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Acorda china </a><a href="http://beta.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelsea-persona-non-grata-in-china-over-kenedys-offensive/1oawknf3hxty16oeqc51q4sql" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vacil&atilde;o</a>," which roughly translates to "<a href="http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sports/soccer/Chinese-fans-furious-at-Chelsea-players-insulting-posts/shdaily.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wake up China, idiot.</a>"</p>
<p>He then published a photograph of himself smiling, alongside a caption which read: "<a href="http://beta.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelsea-persona-non-grata-in-china-over-kenedys-offensive/1oawknf3hxty16oeqc51q4sql" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Porra China</a>," which has been interpreted as "<a href="http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sports/soccer/Chinese-fans-furious-at-Chelsea-players-insulting-posts/shdaily.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">F*** China.</a>"</p>
<p>Both posts have since been removed but an apology was made on Monday.</p>
<p>"I would like to apologise to the people of China for the offence I have caused," <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW6VuRyhr7t/?taken-by=kenedy&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kenedy said</a>. "It was never my intention to insult or offend anyone at all and I now realise that my comments were totally inappropriate.</p>
<p>"I wish to state that I have tremendous respect and admiration for the Chinese people and their country. I would also like to apologise to my club Chelsea&hellip; who I have let down by my posts."</p>
<h2>Kenedy's apology is not enough</h2>
<p>The media in China says Kenedy's apology was not enough.</p>
<p>A report on <a href="http://en.people.cn/n3/2017/0724/c90000-9245698.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese government</a>, said: "Many insisted that the 'apology' was insincere and demanded a formal apology from Chelsea."</p>
<p><a href="http://opinion.people.com.cn/n1/2017/0723/c1003-29422312.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">People's Daily</a> also ran an opinion piece by reporter Qin Ning. The reporter said that, as a member of CFC playing in China, Kennedy's actions "showed not just a lack of self-cultivation, but also a lack of education."</p>
<p>It also warned: "China doesn't welcome players and clubs like [Kennedy and Chelsea FC]."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/07/chelsea-football-club-apology-to-chinese-people-for-players-offe.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chelsea apologised profusely</a>. "We sincerely apologise for the hurt caused to our Chinese fans as well as to the Chinese people."</p>
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5976077856152c36ce15e046-641/screen shot 2017-07-24 at 144452.png" alt="Chelsea website screenshot" data-mce-source="Chelsea website screenshot" /></p>
<h2>Chelsea could face a media blackout in China</h2>
<p>Chelsea will be taking the offence seriously.</p>
<p>China is a lucrative football market for Premier League clubs in terms of fan engagement. <a href="http://beta.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelsea-persona-non-grata-in-china-over-kenedys-offensive/1oawknf3hxty16oeqc51q4sql" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Goal.com</a> has reported that the Chinese government could retaliate with a total blackout of all media coverage of Chelsea inside China.</p>
<p>"Sources have confirmed to Goal that government authorities have ordered Chinese media to 'withdraw all related stories about Chelsea from their dual homepages and news apps'.</p>
<p>"Meanwhile, a source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said there remains a remote possibility that Chelsea will suffer an outright ban, but that they will 'closely monitor the situation'."</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-is-grovelling-to-china-after-offensive-posts-by-one-of-its-players-but-it-might-not-be-enough-2017-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/shark-expert-michael-phelps-raced-real-shark-week-discovery-2017-7">A shark expert explains what would really happen if Michael Phelps raced a live shark</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-premier-league-champions-transfer-record-alvaro-morata-2017-7'Tomorrow I will be at Chelsea' — Premier League champions will be the latest club to smash a transfer record with the signing of Moratahttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-premier-league-champions-transfer-record-alvaro-morata-2017-7
Thu, 20 Jul 2017 05:04:32 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5970724556152c24e72a9b75-2400/gettyimages-668833490.jpg" alt="Alvaro Morata" data-mce-source="Juan Manuel Serrano Arce / Getty Images" /></p><p>Chelsea has reportedly agreed a <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/07/19/alvaro-morata-verge-completing-chelsea-move/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&pound;58 million fee</a> with Real Madrid for Spanish striker &Aacute;lvaro Morata.</p>
<p>The deal, which is expected to be finalised on Thursday, smashes Chelsea's previous transfer record by &pound;8 million. In 2011, Chelsea paid Liverpool &pound;50 million for Fernando Torres.</p>
<p>Morata told Spanish publication <a href="http://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2017/07/19/596fbf56268e3e75018b466e.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MARCA</a> on Wednesday evening that "God willing" he would be at Chelsea on Thursday.</p>
<p>Chelsea had previously wanted Romelu Lukaku, who joined Manchester United in a &pound;75 million transfer from Everton earlier this month. However, Morata insists that Chelsea is "a club that always admired me."</p>
<p>He told MARCA: "I do not think I'm going back to Madrid&hellip; it's been a fairly strange summer and until I pass the medical examination, I'm not going to be calm."</p>
<p><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/596c909756152c147f37817a-1000/pjimage 5.jpg" alt="Diego Costa" data-mce-source="Forza Atleti screenshot" /></p>
<p>Morata will replace his compatriot Diego Costa, a player who was "<a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/chelsea-fc-diego-costa-football-transfer-news-2017-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">told by message</a>" that he was not needed at Chelsea next season. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/diego-costa-films-himself-partying-in-an-atletico-madrid-shirt-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Costa has since filmed himself partying in an Atletico Madrid shirt</a>, prompting further speculation that he could join the La Liga side.</p>
<p>Morata will be Chelsea's third major signing of the summer having already acquired Germany defender Antonio R&uuml;diger (&pound;29 million) and France midfielder Tiemou&eacute; Bakayoko (&pound;40 million). With Morata, the club's total expenditure in the current transfer window will be taken to the &pound;127 million mark.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-premier-league-champions-transfer-record-alvaro-morata-2017-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jj-redick-free-throw-shooters-nba-history-2017-8">A top NBA shooter reveals why players struggle with free throws</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-chase-lvaro-morata-sergio-agueero-and-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-transfers-2017-7Chelsea is chasing 3 of Europe's top strikers in a desperate effort to sign a goalscorerhttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-chase-lvaro-morata-sergio-agueero-and-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-transfers-2017-7
Tue, 18 Jul 2017 10:46:39 -0400Alan Dawson
<p>Chelsea is desperate to sign a striker.</p>
<p>Diego Costa's Stamford Bridge career is all-but over (he filmed himself <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/diego-costa-films-himself-partying-in-an-atletico-madrid-shirt-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">partying in an Atletico Madrid shirt</a> over the weekend) and the club missed out on top target Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United.</p>
<p>Now, Chelsea is being linked with Europe's top goalscorers, with press reports focused on three names. Here they are in detail, with odds from British bookmakers on how likely they are to sign for Chelsea.</p>
<h2>Álvaro Morata, Real Madrid</h2>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/595e0bbd7ba1361b0b54e917-2400/pa-31576999.jpg" alt="Alvaro Morata" data-mce-source="NurPhoto / SIPA USA / PA Images"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jul/10/chelsea-diego-costa-atletico-madrid-training-crystal-palace-ruben-loftus-cheek" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Guardian said Chelsea was chasing Morata earlier this month.</a></p>
<p>He was originally a Manchester United target. José Mourinho personally called Morata last month, but baulked at Real Madrid's asking price of between €80 million and €90 million (£71 million to £80 million). United ended up swooping for Everton forward Lukaku, leaving Morata in the shop window.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/17-07-2017/milan-anche-morata-pronto-lui-contratto-10-mln-netti-stagione-210353385278.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reports in Italy</a> suggest Morata would prefer a return to the Serie A, with AC Milan set to make an opening bid of €70 million. But British bookmakers still believe there is a good chance Chelsea can sign Morata.</p>
<p>Current odds are 4/1. This means that for every £1 your bet, you would receive £4 back plus your initial stake if your bet was successful.</p>
<p>Morata's predatory instincts were captured perfectly by the BT Sport cameras in the Champions League montage below.</p>
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<iframe width="840" height="460" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LqxiDLTCp9k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h2>Sergio Agüero, Manchester City</h2>
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/594633bf89d0e209f1467409-2400/gettyimages-457426356.jpg" alt="Sergio Aguero" data-mce-source="Shaun Botterill / Getty Images"></p>
<p>Sky Sports reported on Monday that Chelsea has a "<a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/10951630/chelsea-interested-in-signing-sergio-aguero-from-manchester-city" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">serious and strong interest</a>" in signing Agüero for up to <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/chelsea-60m-sergio-aguero-transfer-10817190" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">£60 million</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/sergio-aguero-to-chelsea-transfer-news-manchester-city-will-not-sell-to-blues-with-alvaro-morata-a3590171.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">But the Evening Standard</a> doubts the transfer will materialise as City would be reluctant to sell a star player to a Premier League title rival.</p>
<p>It would certainly be one of the most audacious signings of the summer transfer window. The Manchester City striker has been a massive success at the Etihad Stadium. He has scored 122 goals since signing in 2011 and has helped the club win two Premier League titles.</p>
<p>Earlier this week, the player was a 28/1 outsider to move to Chelsea yet those odds were <a href="https://www.oddschecker.com/insight/football/20170717-odds-slashed-on-sergio-aguero-joining-chelsea" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">slashed to 9/4</a> in just 24 hours. This means that for every £4 you bet, you would receive £9 back plus your initial stake if your bet was successful.</p>
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<iframe width="840" height="460" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/s-XPDRTptJk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h2>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Borussia Dortmund</h2>
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/596e1f6f9d09181cd52f9350-2400/aubameyang.jpg" alt="Aubameyang" data-mce-source="Wolfgang Rattay / Reuters" data-link="http://pictures.reuters.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&amp;VBID=2C0FCIA92XJZ9&amp;SMLS=1&amp;RW=1433&amp;RH=694#/SearchResult&amp;VBID=2C0FCIA92XJZ9&amp;SMLS=1&amp;RW=1433&amp;RH=694&amp;PN=7&amp;POPUPPN=383&amp;POPUPIID=2C0408WBIEIEI"></p>
<p>Sky Sports also reported on Monday that <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/10951074/chelsea-want-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-from-borussia-dortmund" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a key target.</a></p>
<p>The £60 million-rated 28-year-old is arguably the best Bundesliga player outside of Bayern Munich. He netted 31 goals in 31 starts last season, making him the top scorer in the division.</p>
<p>Reports in Germany on Tuesday indicated that Aubameyang will "stay at Borussia Dortmund this summer" but this is at odds with what the bookmakers are saying.</p>
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BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/Aubameyang7">@Aubameyang7</a> to stay at <a href="https://twitter.com/BVB">@BVB</a> this summer - Sky in Germany. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SSN?src=hash">#SSN</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZRyyt2Y045">pic.twitter.com/ZRyyt2Y045</a> </p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/887288738841317376">July 18, 2017</a>
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<p>Earlier this month, <a href="https://www.oddschecker.com/insight/football/20170709-bookies-slash-odds-on-chelsea-to-sign-aubameyang" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aubameyang was 33/1 to move to Chelsea</a> yet that price has now been cut to 8/11, even after Sky sources in Germany implied the player could stay at his current club. This means the bookmakers believe he is more likely to transfer to Chelsea than to stay in Dortmund.</p>
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<iframe width="840" height="460" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rdWVorPSdM8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>Chelsea is not alone in chasing his signature. Aubameyang was linked with cash-rich China Super League club Tianjin Quanjian in June and Liverpool has also reportedly expressed interest in the player.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-chase-lvaro-morata-sergio-agueero-and-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-transfers-2017-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-floyd-mayweather-makes-spends-his-millions-net-worth-conor-mcgregor-boxing-money-luxury-cars-2017-7">How Floyd Mayweather makes and spends his millions</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/diego-costa-films-himself-partying-in-an-atletico-madrid-shirt-2017-7Diego Costa filmed himself partying in an Atletico Madrid shirt while mocking his Chelsea managerhttp://www.businessinsider.com/diego-costa-films-himself-partying-in-an-atletico-madrid-shirt-2017-7
Mon, 17 Jul 2017 06:24:21 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/596c909756152c147f37817b-1000/pjimage 5.jpg" alt="Diego Costa" data-mce-source="Forza Atleti screenshot" /></p><p>Players often swap shirts at the end of historic football matches, but Diego Costa has taken the custom to new heights.</p>
<p>The striker, still contracted to Premier League club Chelsea, filmed himself partying in an Atletico Madrid shirt on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diego.costa/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a> Live on Sunday.</p>
<p>The 28-year-old was reportedly "<a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/chelsea-fc-diego-costa-football-transfer-news-2017-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">told by message</a>" in June that he is surplus to Chelsea manager Antonio Conte's requirements.</p>
<p>In a message to Chelsea teammate and fellow Spaniard, Cesc Fabregas, during the Instagram broadcast, Costa said: "<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4702046/Chelsea-star-Diego-Costa-pictured-Atletico-Madrid-top.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Give Conte a hug!</a>"</p>
<p>Though Costa is yet to leave the club, his video is surely proof that his loyalties now lie elsewhere. But he'll have to wait if he wants to join Athletico.</p>
<p><a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/chelsea-transfer-news-striker-diego-costa-atletico-madrid-2017-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Spanish club is banned from registering new players</a> after breaking rules introduced to prevent the child trafficking of youth footballers.</p>
<p>It could still sign the <a href="http://www.football-observatory.com/-Ratings-eng-?code=20130" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&euro;79.5 million</a> (&pound;70 million)-rated Costa but the player would not be able to compete in any Atletico games until the ban is over, in January.</p>
<p>Costa is <a href="http://beta.goal.com/en-au/news/chelsea-striker-costa-parties-in-atletico-shirt-and-mocks/qx1mryb15uic1c62su60j9w24" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">barred from Chelsea's pre-season preparations</a> as the club hopes to find the player a new club. He has been passing the time by <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4702046/Chelsea-star-Diego-Costa-pictured-Atletico-Madrid-top.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">quad biking</a>. He has also holidayed in <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4702046/Chelsea-star-Diego-Costa-pictured-Atletico-Madrid-top.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lagarto</a>, Brazil.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/diego-costa-films-himself-partying-in-an-atletico-madrid-shirt-2017-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/inside-formula-e-formula-one-electric-cars-brooklyn-new-york-2017-7">Inside Formula E — the racing series that only uses electric cars</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-transfer-news-chelsea-to-offer-real-madrid-80-million-for-striker-alvaro-morata-2017-7Chelsea is reportedly gearing up to offer Real Madrid €80 million for Álvaro Moratahttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-transfer-news-chelsea-to-offer-real-madrid-80-million-for-striker-alvaro-morata-2017-7
Mon, 10 Jul 2017 09:59:57 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/593e621dda6dde504a3245c5-2400/pa-31576999.jpg" alt="Alvaro Morata" data-mce-source="NurPhoto / SIPA USA / PA Images" /></p><p>Chelsea will offer Real Madrid &euro;80 million (&pound;70.75 million) for striker &Aacute;lvaro Morata, according to <a href="https://en.as.com/en/2017/07/10/football/1499667830_202413.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spanish newspaper AS</a>.</p>
<p>Previous <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/manchester-united-transfer-news-jose-mourinho-real-madrid-alvaro-morata-2017-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reports</a> had linked Morata with a high-profile move to Manchester United.</p>
<p>However, United's interest in the Spaniard ended when it signed powerful striker <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40553319" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Romelu Lukaku for a &pound;75 million fee</a>.</p>
<p>Chelsea is in the market for a marquee goalscorer after telling Diego Costa via text <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/chelsea-fc-diego-costa-football-transfer-news-2017-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">message</a> that he is no longer required at the club.</p>
<p>And with Lukaku out of the shop window, Chelsea has reportedly honed in on Morata.</p>
<p>AS claims a club-record bid of &euro;80 million will be made "<a href="https://en.as.com/en/2017/07/10/football/1499667830_202413.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">in the coming days</a>," topping the &pound;50 million fee it paid Liverpool for Fernando Torres in 2011.</p>
<p>This fee may not be enough to convince Real Madrid to do business, though, as the La Liga giant is said to be demanding &euro;90 million (&pound;80 million).</p>
<p>When both clubs can agree a fee, Chelsea will be granted permission to negotiate personal terms with the player.</p>
<p><a href="https://en.as.com/en/2017/07/10/football/1499667830_202413.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AS</a> believes those terms will include a pay rise. Currently, Morata receives a &euro;6 million salary at the Santiago Bernab&eacute;u. This means he will receive a package worth more than &euro;30 million (&pound;26.5 million) over a five-year period at Chelsea.</p>
<p>If Morata does transfer to Chelsea he will become the club's second major signing of the summer transfer window, after the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/07/rudiger-signs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&pound;29 million capture of AS Roma defender Antonio R&uuml;diger</a> on Sunday.</p>
<p>And the spending may not end there. Chelsea is also <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/chelsea-wants-alex-sandro-tiemou-bakayoko-and-antonio-ruediger-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">interested in Juventus left back Alex Sandro and AS Monaco defensive midfielder Tiemou&eacute; Bakayoko</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-transfer-news-chelsea-to-offer-real-madrid-80-million-for-striker-alvaro-morata-2017-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/dara-torres-retired-olympic-swimmer-full-body-gym-routine-2017-8">The full-body gym routine this retired Olympic swimmer does to stay in amazing shape</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-wants-alex-sandro-tiemou-bakayoko-and-antonio-ruediger-2017-7Chelsea is ready to pay a record fee for this Juventus left-back as part of a £130 million triple transferhttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-wants-alex-sandro-tiemou-bakayoko-and-antonio-ruediger-2017-7
Tue, 04 Jul 2017 06:07:06 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/595b6912bb350313c815ef10-1000/pjimage 3.jpg" alt="Rudiger, Bakayoko, Sandro" data-mce-source="Getty Images" /></p><p>Chelsea is on the brink of signing three new players, including Juventus' &pound;60 million left-back Alex Sandro, according to reports.</p>
<p>Juventus wants to offer the Brazilian defender an improved contract in an effort to keep him in Turin.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/07/03/chelsea-willing-pay-club-record-60m-left-back-alex-sandro-secure/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Telegraph</a> reports, however, that money could be no object as Chelsea is determined to sign the defender.</p>
<p>The newspaper said the west London club is ready to match Sandro's &pound;60 million valuation, topping the &pound;50 million club record fee Chelsea paid Liverpool for Fernando Torres in 2011.</p>
<p>Chelsea is also ready to better any contract Juventus offer the 26-year-old.</p>
<p>The pursuit of Sandro is just one part of a triple swoop that Chelsea hopes to complete this week, as manager Antonio Conte looks to shore up his defensive line.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-step-up-130m-triple-swoop-for-tiemoue-bakayoko-alex-sandro-and-antonio-rudiger-as-john-terry-a3578551.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Evening Standard</a> writes that Chelsea is willing to spend a further &pound;35 million on AS Monaco defensive midfielder Tiemou&eacute; Bakayoko and an estimated &pound;33.7 million on AS Roma defender Antonio R&uuml;diger.</p>
<p>If this shopping spree made it to the checkout, Chelsea's bill would be a whopping &pound;128.7 million.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-wants-alex-sandro-tiemou-bakayoko-and-antonio-ruediger-2017-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/inside-formula-e-formula-one-electric-cars-brooklyn-new-york-2017-7">Inside Formula E — the racing series that only uses electric cars</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-transfer-news-striker-diego-costa-atletico-madrid-2017-6Chelsea striker wants summer transfer to Atletico Madrid even though he'd be banned from playing until Januaryhttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-transfer-news-striker-diego-costa-atletico-madrid-2017-6
Thu, 22 Jun 2017 06:55:37 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5881b57cdd0895314b8b472f-2400/undefined" alt="File photo dated 30-10-2016 of Chelsea's Diego Costa." data-mce-source="John Walton / PA Wire / PA Images" data-mce-caption="File photo dated 30-10-2016 of Chelsea's Diego Costa." /></p><p>Chelsea striker Diego Costa reportedly wants to return to his former club Atletico Madrid this summer.</p>
<p>Costa's haul of 52 goals in 89 matches helped Chelsea win two Premier League titles over the past three seasons.</p>
<p>But the <a href="http://www.football-observatory.com/-Ratings-eng-?code=20130" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&euro;83.4 million (&pound;73.5 million)-rated</a> player claimed earlier this month that he was "<a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/chelsea-fc-diego-costa-football-transfer-news-2017-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">told by message</a>" that his services are surplus requirements at Chelsea.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12691/10923008/chelsea-striker-diego-costa-wants-return-to-atletico-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sky Sports</a> report that there is only one club Costa would be interested in joining &mdash; and that club is Atletico.</p>
<p>Atletico, though, is currently banned from registering new players until January after&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4440732/Atletico-Madrid-court-challenge-FIFA-transfer-ban.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">breaking rules introduced to prevent the child trafficking</a> of youth footballers.</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/594ba24d5d3e4e220b6b1c98-2400/gettyimages-487478177.jpg" alt="Diego Simeone and Diego Costa" data-mce-source="Clive Rose / Getty Images" />Costa could join Atletico but he would not be allowed to compete for manager Diego Simeone's side until FIFA's transfer ban expires in January. Until then, Costa's involvement with Atletico would be limited to the training ground.</p>
<p>Earlier this month, Costa had been linked with a <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/diego-costa-milan-chelsea-conte-10587212" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&pound;40 million move to AC Milan</a> and even a <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/05/04/chinese-clubtianjin-confident-signing-chelsea-striker-diego/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&pound;76 million switch to Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjin</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-transfer-news-striker-diego-costa-atletico-madrid-2017-6#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-conor-mcgregor-makes-spends-money-floyd-mayweather-fight-mma-yacht-suit-2017-8">How Conor McGregor makes and spends his millions</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/premier-league-fixture-list-2017-2018-the-most-significant-matches-2017-62017/18 Premier League fixture list: Tottenham and Chelsea contest first ever Premier League game at Wembley Stadiumhttp://www.businessinsider.com/premier-league-fixture-list-2017-2018-the-most-significant-matches-2017-6
Wed, 14 Jun 2017 06:22:00 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/5922c461dd08951c208b46ab-2400/gettyimages-686407724.jpg" alt="Chelsea Premier League champions" data-mce-source="Michael Regan / Getty Images"></p><p>The fixtures for the 2017-2018 Premier League season have been released.</p>
<p>Chelsea begins the defence of its title on the weekend of August 12-13, as the club welcomes Burnley to Stamford Bridge.</p>
<p>Newly-promoted Brighton &amp; Hove Albion has a top-flight baptism of fire as it takes on Manchester City at the Falmer Stadium. Championship winner Newcastle United clashes with Tottenham Hotspur at St James's Park, while Huddersfield Town travels to Crystal Palace.</p>
<p><strong>Here is the opening weekend schedule in full:</strong></p>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>
Introducing the 2017/18 Matchweek 1 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PLfixtures?src=hash">#PLfixtures</a><br><br>Full fixture list ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/f5hz3LgZUX">https://t.co/f5hz3LgZUX</a> <a href="https://t.co/XwrlvZfVg2">pic.twitter.com/XwrlvZfVg2</a> </p>— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/874899458626027522">June 14, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p>In total there are 380 matches to be contested in what promises to be another dramatic edition of Premier League football.</p>
<p>Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal will all have title-winning ambitions, while clubs like Huddersfield, Watford, and Burnley will be desperate to avoid relegation.</p>
<p>The league is scheduled to finish on Sunday, May 13 — earlier than usual — in order to accommodate the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia, which begin on June 14.</p>
<h2>Here are the biggest matches to look out for:</h2>
<p><strong><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/59410e73da6dde5d9438aa90-2400/gettyimages-462908990.jpg" alt="Harry Kane scoring against Arsenal" data-mce-source="Clive Rose / Getty Images"></strong></p>
<p><strong>August 19 — Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea</strong></p>
<p><strong>September 30 — Chelsea v Manchester City</strong></p>
<p><strong>October 14 — Liverpool v Manchester United</strong></p>
<p><strong>November 4 — Chelsea v Manchester United</strong></p>
<p><strong>November 4 — Manchester City v Arsenal</strong></p>
<p><strong>November 18 — Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur</strong></p>
<p><strong>December 2 — Arsenal v Manchester United</strong></p>
<p><strong>December 2 — Chelsea v Newcastle United</strong></p>
<p><strong>December 9 — Liverpool v Everton</strong></p>
<p><strong>December 9 — Manchester United v Manchester City</strong></p>
<p><strong>January 1 — Arsenal v Chelsea</strong></p>
<p><strong>January 31 — Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United</strong></p>
<p><strong>February 10 — Southampton v Liverpool</strong></p>
<p><strong>February 10 — Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal</strong></p>
<p><strong>February 24 — Manchester United v Chelsea</strong></p>
<p><strong>March 3 — Liverpool v Newcastle United</strong></p>
<p><strong>March 10 — Manchester United v Liverpool</strong></p>
<p><strong>March 31 — Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur</strong></p>
<p><strong>April 7 — Everton v Liverpool</strong></p>
<p><strong>April 7 — Manchester City v Manchester United</strong></p>
<p><strong>April 28 — Manchester United v Arsenal</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/premier-league-fixture-list-2017-2018-the-most-significant-matches-2017-6#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/floyd-mayweather-vs-conor-mcgregor-fighters-match-up-boxing-mma-sports-showtime-stats-2017-8">Mayweather vs. McGregor: Here's how the world's best fighters match up</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-fc-diego-costa-football-transfer-news-2017-6Chelsea FC star 'told by message' that his services are surplus to requirementshttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-fc-diego-costa-football-transfer-news-2017-6
Thu, 08 Jun 2017 05:13:43 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/593915635a1d1b3ad876e017-2400/gettyimages-686825000.jpg" alt="Diego Costa" data-mce-source="Michael Regan / Getty Images"></p><p>Chelsea striker Diego Costa claims that he has been told "by message" that his services are surplus to requirements.</p>
<p>Speaking after Spain's 2-2 draw with Colombia on Wednesday, the Spaniard <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40197827" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">is quoted by the BBC as saying:</a></p>
<p>"I'm a Chelsea player, but they do not want me there.</p>
<p>"Antonio Conte has told me by message that I do not follow at Chelsea and that's it. He said he did not count on me for next season."</p>
<p>He did not elaborate on whether this was via text message or another form of communication. Either way, it brings to a close a successful, but tumultuous three years at Chelsea since his transfer from Atletico Madrid in 2014.</p>
<p>The 28-year-old returned 52 Premier League goals in 89 appearances and has been a key player in two title-winning seasons.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But he has had controversial moments, including stamping on Liverpool's Emre Can in 2015, and appearing to "bite" Everton's Gareth Barry last year. He also had a "<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38617783" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dispute</a>" with Julio Tous, a Chelsea fitness coach, in January 2017.</p>
<p>Costa said his "relationship with [Conte]" has also "been bad this season." He added: "It's a shame [but] I've already forwarded the message to Chelsea people to decide." That message? "You have to find [me] a team."</p>
<p>Costa has been linked with moves to Serie A side <a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/ac-milan-weighing-up-move-for-chelsea-striker-diego-costa-after-alvaro-morata-snub-a3556996.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AC Milan</a>, La Liga heavyweight <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/05/22/diego-costas-future-remains-uncertain-asatleticomadrid-want/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Atletico Madrid</a>, and Chinese Super League club <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/05/04/chinese-clubtianjin-confident-signing-chelsea-striker-diego/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tianjin Quanjian</a>. A return to Atletico is unlikely this summer, however, as the club has a six-month transfer ban.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-fc-diego-costa-football-transfer-news-2017-6#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/floyd-mayweather-vs-conor-mcgregor-fighters-match-up-boxing-mma-sports-showtime-stats-2017-8">Mayweather vs. McGregor: Here's how the world's best fighters match up</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-transfer-news-eden-hazard-real-madrid-2017-6Chelsea forward Eden Hazard 'would consider' mega move to Real Madridhttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-transfer-news-eden-hazard-real-madrid-2017-6
Mon, 05 Jun 2017 05:49:31 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5930046e5a1d1b183b637670-2400/gettyimages-671548756.jpg" alt="Chelsea, Eden Hazard, and Diego Costa" data-mce-source="Richard Heathcote / Getty Images"></p><p>Three-time Chelsea player of the year Eden Hazard would "consider an offer" from Champions League winner Real Madrid.</p>
<p>"Of course I would consider it if Madrid made an offer," Hazard told reporters, <a href="https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/hazard-i-would-consider-real-madrid-offer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">as quoted by Four Four Two</a>. "I am keen to win trophies – and it would be great to win the Champions League."</p>
<p>Though Chelsea won the Premier League title by a seven-point margin, the allure of big money move to Madrid remains irresistible to some big stars.</p>
<p><a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/r-real-triumph-again-as-ronaldo-double-sinks-juventus-2017-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Real Madrid annihilated Juventus 4-1 to win the Champions League final on Saturday</a>, the first time a football club has retained the title in the modern era.</p>
<p>Real is well-equipped to maintain its title-winning momentum in the seasons ahead as the club has experienced match-winners like Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as a blossoming talent like centre back Raphael Varane, attacking midfielder Marco Asensio, and striker Alvaro Morata.</p>
<p>Hazard has previously called Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane "<a href="http://www.espnfc.co.uk/chelsea/story/3095501/chelseas-eden-hazard-on-barcelonas-lionel-messi-i-am-not-an-artist-like-him" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">an artist.</a>" Spanish publication <a href="http://www.sport-english.com/en/news/real-madrid/real-madrids-scandalous-offer-for-chelsea-star-eden-hazard-6075999" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sport</a> claims the appreciation is reciprocated, as Zidane wants to make the 26-year-old latest galactico for €114 million (£100 million).</p>
<p>Hazard reportedly earns £210,000 a week at Chelsea. His deal is not due to expire until 2020 and the player seems like he is in no rush to hold talks with the board over a contract extension.</p>
<p>"I am feeling well at Chelsea but you never know what will happen," <a href="https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/hazard-i-would-consider-real-madrid-offer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hazard said</a>. "I have not met with the board to discuss a new deal [but after this week's international matches with Belgium] I want to think about football as little as possible."</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-transfer-news-eden-hazard-real-madrid-2017-6#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/shark-expert-michael-phelps-raced-real-shark-week-discovery-2017-7">A shark expert explains what would really happen if Michael Phelps raced a live shark</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/ranked-the-32-most-valuable-clubs-in-european-football-2017-6Here's how much it would cost to buy the 32 biggest football clubs in Europehttp://www.businessinsider.com/ranked-the-32-most-valuable-clubs-in-european-football-2017-6
Thu, 01 Jun 2017 08:10:32 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5930046e5a1d1b183b637670-2400/gettyimages-671548756.jpg" alt="Chelsea, Eden Hazard, and Diego Costa" data-mce-source="Richard Heathcote / Getty Images"></p><p>KPMG released a report this week listing the 32 most valuable clubs in European football.</p>
<p>Here's the bad news: Buying a football team doesn't come cheap. The good news: It's always nice to know the worth of your favourite side.</p>
<p>To identify the market value, KPMG has used a methodology that considers the market value of the owner's equity, plus total debt, less cash and cash equivalents.</p>
<p>These five factors were also considered:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Profitability</strong> — overhead costs-to-revenue ratio of the past two financial years</li>
<li><strong>Popularity</strong> — the relationship between championship pedigree and social media traction</li>
<li><strong>Sporting potential</strong> — squad value</li>
<li><strong>Broadcasting rights</strong> — TV revenue already negotiated and guaranteed for the seasons ahead</li>
<li><strong>Stadium ownership</strong> — a key asset yet some clubs do not own their own ground outright</li>
</ol>
<p>This provided KPMG with a figure it calls "enterprise value." This basically means what the business is worth.</p>
<p>Without further ado, here's how much it would cost to buy the 32 biggest football clubs in the world. The list is ascending order, from cheapest to most expensive.</p><h3>32: Olympique de Marseille – €187 million (£160 million)</h3>
<img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5930046e5a1d1b183b637659-400-300/32-olympique-de-marseille--187-million-160-million.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>31: PSV Eindhoven – €210 million (£179 million)</h3>
<img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5930046e5a1d1b183b63765a-400-300/31-psv-eindhoven--210-million-179-million.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>30: Beşiktaş – €219 million (£187 million)</h3>
<img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5930046e5a1d1b183b63765b-400-300/30-beikta--219-million-187-million.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ranked-the-32-most-valuable-clubs-in-european-football-2017-6#/#29-ss-lazio-227-million-194-million-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-premier-league-champs-2017-5Chelsea won nearly $200 million in the Premier League this seasonhttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-premier-league-champs-2017-5
Wed, 24 May 2017 14:27:10 -0400Cork Gaines and Diana Yukari
<p>Chelsea held off a late-season rally from Tottenham Hotspur to win their second Premier League championship in three years. The title also came with a lot of money.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/sportingintel/status/866339049082146821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to Nick Harris of Sporting Intelligence</a>, the Blues took home&nbsp;£153.2 million ($198.6 million) just from their performance, television appearances, and league revenue sharing.</p>
<p>The amount of money a team wins in the Premier League is loosely related to where they end up in the league table. However, it is not a direct correlation. Here is the prize money for the 20 teams, with the teams ordered by where they finished in the standings.</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5925ce9bdf1bf082008b45d8-1201/sports cod 5-24-17.png" alt="Sports CoD 5 24 17" data-mce-source="Diana Yukari/Business Insider"></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-premier-league-champs-2017-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-conor-mcgregor-makes-spends-money-floyd-mayweather-fight-mma-yacht-suit-2017-8">How Conor McGregor makes and spends his millions</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-cancel-premier-league-title-victory-parade-manchester-attack-2017-5Chelsea cancels 'inappropriate' Premier League victory parade after Manchester bombinghttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-cancel-premier-league-title-victory-parade-manchester-attack-2017-5
Wed, 24 May 2017 08:07:00 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5922c461dd08951c208b46bf-2400/gettyimages-686407724.jpg" alt="Chelsea Premier League champions" data-mce-source="Michael Regan / Getty Images"></p><p>Premier League champion Chelsea cancelled its victory parade in London on Sunday following the Manchester terror attack.</p>
<p>"Everyone associated with Chelsea Football Club offers our heartfelt condolences to those affected by Monday’s terror attack in Manchester," <a href="https://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/05/chelsea-statement.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">an official club statement read</a>.</p>
<p>"Our thoughts go out to all the victims, and their families and friends."</p>
<p>Salman Abedi, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/man-who-attacked-the-ariane-grande-concert-in-manchester-named-2017-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the 22-year-old suicide bomber</a>, killed 22 and injured at least 64 when he <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/manchester-arena-ariana-grande-concert-england-2017-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">detonated an improvised bomb in the foyer of Manchester Arena</a> in central Manchester on Monday.</p>
<p>"In light of these tragic events, we feel it is inappropriate to go ahead with the victory parade in London on Sunday given the heightened security threat announced by the government, and recognising that this is a developing situation," Chelsea added.</p>
<p>"Having consulted with the Metropolitan Police, Hammersmith &amp; Fulham Council, and other authorities, we know the emergency services would have been as professional as ever, but we would not want in any way to divert important resources by holding an additional, non-ticketed event on the streets of London."</p>
<p>As a mark of respect, Chelsea will wear black armbands during its FA Cup final match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Chelsea will also "make a donation to a fund supporting the victims of this horrific attack."</p>
<p>There will be increased security at Wembley at the weekend, the Football Association confirmed. "Fan safety is of paramount importance and we have robust security measures in place at Wembley Stadium," <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/fa-steps-up-security-for-arsenal-v-chelsea-fa-cup-final-on-saturday-2017-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a spokesman said on Tuesday.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-cancel-premier-league-title-victory-parade-manchester-attack-2017-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-conor-mcgregor-makes-spends-money-floyd-mayweather-fight-mma-yacht-suit-2017-8">How Conor McGregor makes and spends his millions</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/fa-steps-up-security-for-arsenal-v-chelsea-fa-cup-final-on-saturday-2017-5FA plans 'enhanced security' for Arsenal v Chelsea FA Cup final after Manchester attackhttp://www.businessinsider.com/fa-steps-up-security-for-arsenal-v-chelsea-fa-cup-final-on-saturday-2017-5
Tue, 23 May 2017 10:36:35 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/59244921dd089538188b4752-2400/pa-31418205.jpg" alt="Wembley Stadium" data-mce-source="Steve Parsons / PA Wire"></p><p>The Football Association (FA) has confirmed that "enhanced" security measures will be in place for Saturday's FA Cup final, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/manchester-arena-ariana-grande-concert-england-2017-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">following the terror attack at Manchester Arena on Monday evening.</a></p>
<p>"Fan safety is of paramount importance and we have robust security measures in place at Wembley Stadium," an FA spokesman told Business Insider ahead of the match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.</p>
<p>He added: "In collaboration with the Metropolitan Police and the local authorities there will be an enhanced security operation for all upcoming events.</p>
<p>"All supporters are encouraged to arrive for events at Wembley Stadium as early as possible for security checks and to avoid any delays in entering the stadium."</p>
<p>Wembley will host three&nbsp;significant football matches this weekend with the FA Cup final, the League Two play-off final, and Championship play-off final taking place on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday respectively.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/fa-steps-up-security-for-arsenal-v-chelsea-fa-cup-final-on-saturday-2017-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/floyd-mayweather-vs-conor-mcgregor-fighters-match-up-boxing-mma-sports-showtime-stats-2017-8">Mayweather vs. McGregor: Here's how the world's best fighters match up</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/football-watch-the-10-best-goals-of-the-premier-league-season-2017-5These are the 10 best goals of the 2016/17 Premier League seasonhttp://www.businessinsider.com/football-watch-the-10-best-goals-of-the-premier-league-season-2017-5
Mon, 22 May 2017 09:54:57 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5922edc5dd0895f7158b46ce-2400/gettyimages-675542952.jpg" alt="Emre Can, Liverpool" data-mce-source="Dan Mullan / Getty Images"></p><p>The 2016/17 football season may be over but the Premier League has released a collection of 10 goals that have made the cut for their goal of the year.</p>
<p>The nominees include wonder strikes from Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United players.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://carlingtap.carling.com/goal-of-the-month/2017-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">public have been invited to vote for goal of the year</a> and these views, combined with those of a panel of experts, will decide the winner. Voting closes on Wednesday.</p>
<p><strong>Here are the goals:</strong></p>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The 2016/17 <a href="https://twitter.com/carling">@Carling</a> Goal of the Season nominees!<br><br>VOTE for your favourite: <a href="https://t.co/asQW9Rhfq3">https://t.co/asQW9Rhfq3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PLAwards?src=hash">#PLAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/SIlHTAYTCC">pic.twitter.com/SIlHTAYTCC</a></p>— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/866587290860216320">May 22, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p><strong>The nominees in full:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Christhian Stuani – Sunderland v <strong>Middlesbrough</strong> – 21 August 2016</li>
<li>Jordan Henderson – Chelsea v <strong>Liverpool</strong> – 16 September 2016</li>
<li>Dmitri Payet – <strong>West Ham United</strong> v Middlesbrough – 1 October 2016</li>
<li>Pedro – <strong>Chelsea</strong> v Tottenham Hotspur – 26 November 2016</li>
<li>Henriky Mkhitaryan – <strong>Manchester United</strong> v Sunderland – 26 December 2016</li>
<li>Andy Carroll – <strong>West Ham United</strong> v Crystal Palace – 14 January 2017</li>
<li>Eden Hazard – <strong>Chelsea</strong> v Arsenal – 4 February 2017</li>
<li>Andros Townsend – West Bromwich Albion v <strong>Crystal Palace</strong> – 4 March 2017</li>
<li>Pedro – Everton v <strong>Chelsea</strong> – 30 April 2017</li>
<li>Emre Can – Watford v <strong>Liverpool</strong> – 1 May 2017</li>
</ol>
<p>Liverpool's Can has already won one goal of the season competition. <a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpools-emre-can-wonder-goal-13070222" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Viewers of BBC Premier League highlights show "Match of the Day" voted for his overhead kick on Sunday night.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/football-watch-the-10-best-goals-of-the-premier-league-season-2017-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-conor-mcgregor-makes-spends-money-floyd-mayweather-fight-mma-yacht-suit-2017-8">How Conor McGregor makes and spends his millions</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/total-prize-money-each-premier-league-club-won-in-lucrative-season-2017-5This is how much prize money each Premier League club won in the most lucrative season everhttp://www.businessinsider.com/total-prize-money-each-premier-league-club-won-in-lucrative-season-2017-5
Mon, 22 May 2017 06:58:27 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5922c461dd08951c208b46c0-2400/gettyimages-683622734.jpg" alt="Chelsea and Antonio Conte" data-mce-source="Richard Heathcote / Getty Images"></p><p>The record&nbsp;£5.14 billion Premier League TV rights deal kicked in during the 2016/17 season, meaning top flight clubs are poised to score record earnings this year.</p>
<p>Now the season is done, <a href="https://twitter.com/sportingintel/status/866339049082146821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sporting Intelligence's Nick Harris</a> has worked out exactly how much prize money each club will take home.</p>
<p>Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Liverpool were some of the best sides in England this season, but their earnings do not necessarily reflect where they finished in the actual league.</p>
<p>The&nbsp;earnings were calculated by adding up three things:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Initial equal share fund</strong> — every side receives £84.4 million for competing in the Premier League</li>
<li><strong>Performance ranking</strong> —&nbsp;finish higher, earn more money</li>
<li><strong>TV revenue</strong> — the more a team's on TV, the more revenue it receives</li>
</ul>
<p>Here is how the Premier League money has been distributed in the 2016/17 season, ranked from least to most.</p><h3>20. Sunderland: £99.9 million (finished 20th in the actual table)</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5922c461dd08951c208b46ac-400-300/20-sunderland-999-million-finished-20th-in-the-actual-table.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>19. Middlesbrough: £101.8 million (finished 19th)</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5922c461dd08951c208b46ad-400-300/19-middlesbrough-1018-million-finished-19th.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>18. Hull City: £103.7 million (finished 18th)</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5922c461dd08951c208b46ae-400-300/18-hull-city-1037-million-finished-18th.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/total-prize-money-each-premier-league-club-won-in-lucrative-season-2017-5#/#17-burnley-1076-million-finished-16th-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-set-to-become-best-paid-premier-league-champions-in-history-2017-5Chelsea is all set to become the best paid Premier League champions in historyhttp://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-set-to-become-best-paid-premier-league-champions-in-history-2017-5
Fri, 12 May 2017 07:49:22 -0400Joe Hall
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5915a166dd0895775f8b4864-2400/gettyimages-617452006.jpg" alt="Eden Hazard" data-mce-source="Mike Hewitt / Getty Images"></p><p>Chelsea is on the verge of securing the most lucrative prize in Premier League history, with a win at West Bromwich Albion on Friday night worth approximately £150m.</p>
<p>Victory at the Hawthorns would add a sixth league title to the Stamford Bridge trophy room and make Antonio Conte's men the first Premier League champions to benefit from the proceeds of the league's largest ever TV deal.</p>
<p>Chelsea is set to receive a 72 per cent rise from the £87.3m they earned for last season's 10th place finish.</p>
<p>The influx of cash from the Premier League's new £8.3bn TV deal will guarantee this year's champions just under £150m.</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5915a166dd0895775f8b4862-1378/pa-23107077.jpg" alt="Chelsea's John Terry celebrates with the Premier League trophy after the Barclays Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London." data-mce-source="Mike Egerton / PA Archive / PA Images" data-mce-caption="Chelsea's John Terry celebrates with the Premier League trophy after the Barclays Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London."></p>
<p>That is a 65 per cent increase on the £93m <a href="http://www.cityam.com/239834/leicester-city-can-bank-250m-from-an-unprecedented-premier-league-title-triumph">earned by Leicester last season</a>.</p>
<p>Even basement club Sunderland, who are guaranteed to finish rock bottom this season, can at least console themselves with just under £100m in Premier League payments.</p>
<p>The total sum received by each club is comprised of three streams.</p>
<p>Each team is guaranteed an "equal share" of Premier League revenues, which include TV rights and centralised commercial contracts.</p>
<p>On top of that, clubs receive "facility fees", determined by the number of times they featured on TV during the season. The third slice is based on league position.</p>
<p>Last season every Premier League side was paid a £56m "equal share" payment.</p>
<p>This year that figure will exceed £80m, while the merit payment paid to the champions will jump from £25m to roughly £40m.</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5915a166dd0895775f8b4865-2400/gettyimages-52686774.jpg" alt="Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich" data-mce-source="Ben Radford / Getty Images"></p>
<p>That represents a staggering 18,300 per cent increase on the £815,210 Manchester United banked in the Premier League's inaugural 1992-93 season and a 310 per cent increase from the £9.7m Chelsea earned when they first won the Premier League title under Jose Mourinho in 2005.</p>
<h2>Chelsea's other cash increases</h2>
<p>Chelsea's spending power will be further boosted by a return to the Champions League next season and the <a href="http://www.cityam.com/251407/chelsea-sign-new-kit-deal-nike-thought-worth-close-1bn">start of their £60m-a-year kit deal with Nike</a>.</p>
<p>Should they enter the competition as Premier League champions next season, Chelsea will be entitled to the biggest share of the TV money European football governing body Uefa allocates clubs based on where they finished last season.</p>
<p>The West London club's financial accounts for this season will suffer from a lack of Champions League football — the absence of which will hit both matchday and broadcast income.</p>
<p>Last season the club earned €45m (£35m) in TV money from playing in Europe's elite competition and a further €24m in prize money for reaching the last 16.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-set-to-become-best-paid-premier-league-champions-in-history-2017-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-floyd-mayweather-makes-spends-his-millions-net-worth-conor-mcgregor-boxing-money-luxury-cars-2017-7">How Floyd Mayweather makes and spends his millions</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/fa-cup-chelsea-tottenham-hotspur-arsenal-manchester-city-2017-3Why this year's FA Cup is the best in a decade, according to a top football bosshttp://www.businessinsider.com/fa-cup-chelsea-tottenham-hotspur-arsenal-manchester-city-2017-3
Wed, 19 Apr 2017 08:47:07 -0400Alan Dawson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/58f75c6ddd08955f7f8b4a16-2400/undefined" alt="Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger" data-mce-source="Getty Images"></p><p>This year's FA Cup is the best in a decade, according to former Football Association CEO Alex Horne.</p>
<p>He told Business Insider that a combination of semi-finals between four of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and fairytale runs for non-league clubs, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/sutton-united-wayne-shaw-pie-fa-betting-2017-2" target="_blank">such as Sutton United</a>, has created a heady cocktail.</p>
<p>"The FA Cup matters," Horne told us at a recent <a href="http://www.cogressltd.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cogress Investor Club</a> event in London. "It matters to the fans, it matters to players, and it matters to managers."</p>
<p>He added: "We have had some fabulous draws and some successes. In many ways this might be the best FA Cup season we have had for a long while, certainly since the move back into [the new] Wembley [in 2007]."</p>
<p>The semi-finals take place at Wembley Stadium in London this weekend, starting with Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, and Arsenal vs Manchester City on Sunday.</p>
<p>Mauricio Pochettino will be determined to underline Tottenham Hotspur's burgeoning reputation as title contenders, while Antonio Conte will be eager to finish his first season at Chelsea with a trophy.</p>
<p>Pep Guardiola may have been expected to have performed better in the Premier League so an FA Cup win could relieve any fan and media pressure that has developed.</p>
<p>"There's always been a Portsmouth or a Hull City in the mix in the semis so it is rare that you have four of the top six teams competing for a place in the final," Horne said.</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/58f75c6ddd08955f7f8b4a17-2400/undefined" alt="Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino" data-mce-source="Julian Finney / Getty Images">Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, faces constant scrutiny over his every move and a third FA Cup trophy in four seasons could win back some of the support he has lost in recent months.</p>
<p>"All four of those managers want it," Horne said. "Especially Wenger… Wenger really wants three FA Cups [in four years and seven overall]."</p>
<h2>Rise of the minnows</h2>
<p>The battle for a place in this season's final on May 27 may involve familiar protagonists but Horne believes the so-called magic of the cup has been evident at all levels.</p>
<p>"We have had and enjoyed the fairytale stories," he said, a clear reference the progress of non-league clubs Sutton <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/lincoln-city-former-teachers-danny-cowley-arsenal-fa-cup-2017-3" target="_blank">and Lincoln City</a>, who made the fifth-round and quarter-final respectively, but were both knocked out by Arsenal.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/fa-cup-chelsea-tottenham-hotspur-arsenal-manchester-city-2017-3#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jj-redick-free-throw-shooters-nba-history-2017-8">A top NBA shooter reveals why players struggle with free throws</a></p>